MTN South Africa has confirmed it will increase consumer contract prices starting 1 February 2025, citing rising operational costs and broader macroeconomic pressures. The changes will result in an average monthly bill increase of 4.4%, with subscription fees rising by approximately 8.3% and out-of-bundle voice rates increasing by 7%.
The company said the adjustments are necessary to maintain service quality amid significant operational challenges, including network vandalism, theft of batteries and generators, and rising electricity costs. Despite these pressures, MTN stressed that it has worked to keep the increases as minimal as possible for its customers.
Key Changes to Pricing
- Subscription Fees: Average increase of 8.3%
- Out-of-Bundle Voice Rates: Average increase of 7%
- USSD Rates: From R0.20 to R0.22 per 20-second session
- Itemised Billing: Increase of R1 to R20 per month where applicable
Certain charges, however, will remain unchanged, including insurance fees, device fees, out-of-bundle data rates, SMS and MMS charges, and add-on bundle fees.
To offset some of the cost increases, MTN will enhance its airtime-based Flexi and Mega Flex plans, adding 18% more airtime to the monthly subscription. Additionally, several standardized usage tariffs will remain steady, including:
- Out-of-bundle data: R0.29 per MB
- Local SMS: R0.35 per message
- Local MMS: R0.70 per message
- International MMS: R2.50 per message
- International SMS: R1.69 per message
Implementation Timeline
The revised out-of-bundle usage rates will come into effect on 1 February 2025, while subscription fee adjustments and updated airtime values will apply from each customer’s bill run date, which typically falls on the 1st, 12th, 17th, or 27th of February.
MTN has started notifying customers of the changes via SMS and email, with notifications sent between 12 December 2024 and 29 January 2025. Device installment payments will not be affected by the adjustments. Customers signing up for new contracts, upgrades, or additional lines in January 2025 will also be subject to the new pricing once it takes effect.
Focus on Value and Network Stability
Despite the increases, MTN highlighted its commitment to delivering value, innovation, and reliable connectivity. The company emphasized that these adjustments are essential to sustain network stability and improve service quality as customer demand continues to grow.
MTN also encouraged customers to leverage the MTN App for managing billing limits, monitoring usage, purchasing bundles, and accessing statements or invoices. Monthly bills will continue to be delivered via email or post.
Marking 30 years of operations, MTN’s latest pricing adjustments underscore the company’s ongoing efforts to meet evolving customer.
